System and method for distinguishing leaks from a disengaged canister condition in a reduced pressure treatment system

ABSTRACT

A method of distinguishing leak detection and canister disengagement in a reduced pressure treatment system includes monitoring an actual power level and a source pressure of a reduced pressure pump. The actual power level is compared to a target power level, and the source pressure is compared to a first alarm pressure and a second alarm pressure. A leak alarm is indicated when the actual power level is greater than the target power level and the source pressure is greater than the first alarm pressure. A canister disengaged alarm is indicated when the actual power level is greater than the target power level and the source pressure is less than the second alarm pressure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/070,340, filed Mar. 23, 2011, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/070,891, filed Feb. 20, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.7,927,319 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/902,267, filed Feb. 20, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to tissue treatment systems andin particular to a reduced pressure treatment system having a system fordistinguishing between a leak condition and a disengaged canistercondition.

2. Description of Related Art

Clinical studies and practice have shown that providing a reducedpressure in proximity to a tissue site augments and accelerates thegrowth of new tissue at the tissue site. The applications of thisphenomenon are numerous, but application of reduced pressure has beenparticularly successful in treating wounds. This treatment (frequentlyreferred to in the medical community as “negative pressure woundtherapy,” “reduced pressure therapy,” or “vacuum therapy”) provides anumber of benefits, including faster healing and increased formulationof granulation tissue. Typically, reduced pressure is applied to tissuethrough a porous pad or other manifolding device. The porous padcontains cells or pores that are capable of distributing reducedpressure to the tissue and channeling fluids that are drawn from thetissue. The porous pad often is incorporated into a dressing havingother components that facilitate treatment.

One problem with current reduced pressure systems is the interruption ofreduced pressure to the tissue site when a leak develops in the systemor a component of the system, such as a fluid collection canister,becomes disengaged. Previous reduced pressure systems used a flow sensorto determine the amount of air flow moving through the reduced pressuresystem. Upon detecting a “high” flow rate, an alarm condition indicating“Canister Not Engaged” was typically activated. If a slightly lower flowrate was detected, it was assumed that a leak had developed, and analarm condition indicating such was activated. Using a flow sensor todetect these conditions has certain drawbacks. The addition of flowsensors to the reduced pressure system requires additional hardware andthe associated software required to receive and process data from theflow sensors. The flow sensors also may exhibit decreased accuracy dueto certain environmental conditions. For example, when the flow ratesensor determines flow by measuring a pressure drop across an orifice,temperature conditions may dramatically affect the hardware sensing thepressure drop, thereby presenting errors in the final flow ratedetermination.

SUMMARY

The problems presented by existing detection systems are solved by thesystems and methods of the illustrative embodiments described herein. Inone embodiment, a method of distinguishing leak detection and canisterdisengagement in a reduced pressure treatment system includes monitoringan actual power level and a source pressure of a reduced pressure pump.The actual power level is compared to a target power level, and thesource pressure is compared to a first alarm pressure and a second alarmpressure. A leak alarm is indicated when the actual power level isgreater than the target power level and the source pressure is greaterthan the first alarm pressure. A canister disengaged alarm is indicatedwhen the actual power level is greater than the target power level andthe source pressure is less than the second alarm pressure.

In another embodiment, a method of distinguishing leak detection andcanister disengagement in a reduced pressure treatment system includesmonitoring an actual power level and a target power level of a reducedpressure source. The actual power level is compared to the target powerlevel using a processing unit. In response to the actual power levelexceeding the target power level for a selected period of time, theprocessing unit communicates at least one of a leak alarm signal and acanister disengaged alarm signal to an alarm indicator, wherein thealarm indicator generates an alarm in response to receiving the at leastone of the leak alarm signal and the canister disengaged alarm signal.

In still another embodiment, a method of distinguishing leak detectionand canister disengagement in a reduced pressure treatment systemincludes monitoring an actual power level and a target power level of areduced pressure source. The actual power level is compared to thetarget power level. A source pressure as determined by a sensor incommunication with the reduced pressure source is further monitored. Thesource pressure is compared to a first and second alarm pressure. Inresponse to the actual power level exceeding the target power level fora selected period of time and the source pressure being greater than thefirst alarm pressure, a leak alarm signal is communicated to an alarmindicator. If the alarm indicator receives the leak alarm signal, afirst alarm is generated by the alarm indicator. In response to theactual power level exceeding the target power level for the selectedperiod of time and the source pressure being less than the first alarmpressure, a canister disengaged signal is communicated to the alarmindicator. If the alarm indicator receives the canister disengagedsignal, a second alarm is generated by the alarm indicator.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrative embodimentswill become apparent with reference to the drawings and detaileddescription that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a reduced pressure treatment system configured toindicate leak conditions and canister disengaged conditions according toan embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 2 depicts a method of distinguishing a leak condition from acanister disengagement condition according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof.These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural,mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail notnecessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodimentsdescribed herein, the description may omit certain information known tothose skilled in the art. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of theinvention is defined only by the appended claims.

The term “reduced pressure” as used herein generally refers to apressure less than the ambient pressure at a tissue site that is beingsubjected to treatment. In most cases, this reduced pressure will beless than the atmospheric pressure at which the patient is located.Alternatively, the reduced pressure may be less than a hydrostaticpressure of tissue at the tissue site. Although the terms “vacuum” and“negative pressure” may be used to describe the pressure applied to thetissue site, the actual pressure applied to the tissue site may besignificantly less than the pressure normally associated with a completevacuum. Reduced pressure may initially generate fluid flow in the tubein the area of the tissue site. As the hydrostatic pressure around thetissue site approaches the desired reduced pressure, the flow maysubside, and the reduced pressure is then maintained. Unless otherwiseindicated, values of pressure stated herein are gauge pressures.Similarly, references to increases in reduced pressure typically referto a decrease in absolute pressure, while decreases in reduced pressuretypically refer to an increase in absolute pressure.

The term “tissue site” as used herein refers to a wound or defectlocated on or within any tissue, including but not limited to, bonetissue, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, neural tissue, dermal tissue,vascular tissue, connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments.The term “tissue site” may further refer to areas of any tissue that arenot necessarily wounded or defective, but are instead areas in which itis desired to add or promote the growth of additional tissue. Forexample, reduced pressure tissue treatment may be used in certain tissueareas to grow additional tissue that may be harvested and transplantedto another tissue location.

Referring to FIG. 1, a reduced pressure treatment system 110 accordingto an embodiment of the invention includes a conduit 112 in fluidcommunication with a tissue site 114 of a patient. The conduit 112 mayfluidly communicate with the tissue site 114 through a tubing adapter118 and a distribution manifold 122. The distribution manifold 122 maybe any material, either bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable, that iscapable of manifolding a reduced pressure to the tissue site 114. In oneembodiment, the distribution manifold 122 may be an open-cell,reticulated polyurethane foam. A drape 128 may be placed over thedistribution manifold 122 and sealed around a perimeter of the tissuesite 114 to maintain reduced pressure at the tissue site 114.

The conduit 112 is fluidly connected to a reduced pressure source 134. Asensor 138 is disposed at or near the reduced pressure source 134 todetermine a source pressure generated by the reduced pressure source134. In one embodiment, the sensor 138 may be a pressure transducer. Acanister 142 is fluidly connected between the reduced pressure source134 and the tissue site 114 to collect exudate and other fluids drawnfrom the tissue site 114. The canister 142 may include a hydrophobicfilter 144 positioned near an outlet of the canister 142 to preventfluid from exiting the canister and contaminating the reduced pressuresource 134. In one implementation, the canister 142 may be detachablycooperative with a treatment unit 148 that includes the reduced pressuresource 134.

The reduced pressure system 110 may further include a processing unit152 that communicates with at least one of the reduced pressure source134, the sensor 138, and an alarm indicator 156. The processing unit 152may include one or more processors, logic, analog components, or anyother electronics that enable signals including information, such assource pressure at a reduced pressure source, to be received. Theprocessing unit 152 may process the information provided by the signals.For example, a source pressure signal may be received by the processingunit 152 and a leak alarm and/or canister disengaged alarm may be drivenby the processing unit 152.

In one implementation, the reduced pressure source 134 may be a reducedpressure or vacuum pump 164 driven by a motor 166. The processing unit152 may configured to receive signals from the motor 166 or componentsassociated with the motor 166 to determine an actual power level that isbeing required to drive the vacuum pump 164. The processing unit 152compares the actual power level to a target power level at which thereduced pressure source 134 is initially calibrated to run. When theactual power level exceeds the target power level for a selected periodof time, either a leak condition or a canister disengagement conditionexists within the reduced pressure system 110. In either of theseconditions, the tissue site 114 experiences at least a partialinterruption in the supply of reduced pressure. For example, if a leakoccurs between the drape 128 and the perimeter of the tissue site 114,it becomes very difficult to maintain a reduced pressure at the tissuesite 114. Similarly, if the canister 142 becomes disengaged from thetreatment unit 148, the supply of reduced pressure is interrupted. Ineither of these conditions, additional power is required by the motor166 and the pump 164 to attempt to maintain a particular level ofreduced pressure at the tissue site 114.

To distinguish between a leak condition and a canister disengagedcondition, the processing unit 152 monitors the source pressuredetermined by the sensor 138. When the canister 142 is disengaged, thesource pressure is substantially lower than when the canister is engagedbecause the vacuum pump 164 is not required to maintain the negativepressure through the hydrophobic filter 144 of the canister 142. Thus,to determine a canister disengaged condition, the processing unit 152compares the source pressure to a first alarm pressure. If the sourcepressure is below the first alarm pressure, the processing unitcommunicates a canister disengaged alarm signal to the alarm indicator156. When the source pressure remains high, thus indicating that thecanister 142 is engaged, then the condition is by default a leakcondition. In one configuration, the source pressure may be compared bythe processing unit 152 to a second alarm pressure, and when the sourcepressure exceeds the second alarm pressure, a leak condition isdeclared. When a leak condition is determined, the processing unitcommunicates a leak alarm signal to the alarm indicator. In oneembodiment, the first and second alarm pressures are equal.

The alarm indicator 156 is capable of generating distinctive alarms inresponse to receiving leak alarm and canister disengaged alarm signalsfrom the processing unit 152. The alarm indicator may be an audibleindicator such as a speaker or a visual indicator such as LEDs or otherlights, or alternatively an LCD or other display.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary method 210 for distinguishing betweena leak condition and a canister disengagement condition in a reducedpressure treatment system is provided. The method includes at step 214monitoring an actual power level and, at step 216, monitoring a sourcepressure of a reduced pressure pump. At step 218, the actual power levelis compared to a target power level, and at step 222, the sourcepressure is compared to a first alarm pressure and a second alarmpressure. At step 226, a leak alarm is indicated when the actual powerlevel is greater than the target power level and the source pressure isgreater than the first alarm pressure. A canister disengaged alarm isindicated at step 230 when the actual power level is greater than thetarget power level and the source pressure is less than the second alarmpressure.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that an invention havingsignificant advantages has been provided. While the invention is shownin only a few of its forms, it is not just limited but is susceptible tovarious changes and modifications without departing from the spiritthereof.

We claim:
 1. A reduced-pressure treatment apparatus, comprising: areduced-pressure source; a sensor configured to determine a sourcepressure generated by the reduced-pressure source; an alarm indicator;and a processing unit configured to: receive signals from thereduced-pressure source to determine an actual power level of thereduced-pressure source, compare the actual power level to a targetpower level, communicate a leak alarm signal to the alarm indicator ifthe actual power level exceeds the target power level for a selectedperiod of time and the source pressure is greater than a first alarmpressure, and communicate a canister-disengaged alarm signal to thealarm indicator if the actual power level exceeds the target power levelfor a selected period of time and the source pressure is less than asecond alarm pressure.
 2. The reduced-pressure treatment apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first alarm pressure is equal to the second alarmpressure.
 3. The reduced-pressure treatment apparatus of claim 1,wherein the processing unit is configured to receive the signals from amotor associated with the reduced-pressure source.
 4. Thereduced-pressure treatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the firstalarm pressure is equal to the second alarm pressure; and the processingunit is configured to receive the signals from a motor associated withthe reduced-pressure source.
 5. The reduced-pressure treatment apparatusof claim 1, wherein the reduced-pressure source comprises a motorcalibrated to operate at the target power level.
 6. The reduced-pressuretreatment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alarm indicator isconfigured to generate a leak alarm in response to receiving the leakalarm signal and to generate a canister alarm in response to receivingthe canister-disengaged alarm signal.
 7. The reduced-pressure treatmentapparatus of claim 6, wherein the leak alarm and the canister alarm areaudible.
 8. The reduced-pressure treatment apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe leak alarm and the canister alarm are visible.
 9. Thereduced-pressure treatment apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: acanister; a hydrophobic filter; and a conduit configured to fluidlycouple the reduced-pressure source to a tissue site via the canister andthe hydrophobic filter.
 10. An apparatus for distinguishing a leakcondition from a canister disengagement condition in a reduced-pressuretreatment system, the apparatus comprising: a sensor configured todetermine a source pressure generated by a reduced-pressure source; aprocessing unit coupled to the sensor, the processing unit configuredto: monitor an actual power level of the reduced-pressure source,compare the actual power level to a target power level, compare thesource pressure to a first alarm pressure and a second alarm pressure,indicate a leak alarm if the actual power level is greater than thetarget power level and the source pressure is greater than the firstalarm pressure, and indicate a canister alarm if the actual power levelis greater than the target power level and the source pressure is lessthan the second alarm pressure.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe first alarm pressure is equal to the second alarm pressure.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the reduced-pressure source comprises amotor calibrated to operate at the target power level.
 13. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the leak alarm and the canister alarm are audible.14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the leak alarm and the canisteralarm are visible.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processingunit is further configured to delay indicating the leak alarm and thecanister alarm until the actual power level exceeds the target powerlevel for a selected period of time.
 16. A reduced-pressure treatmentsystem, comprising: a reduced-pressure source; a conduit configured tofluidly couple the reduced-pressure source to a tissue site; a canisterin fluid communication with the conduit and the reduced-pressure source;a sensor in communication with the reduced-pressure source to determinea source pressure generated by the reduced-pressure source; an alarmindicator; and a processing unit configured to: compare an actual powerlevel of the reduced-pressure source to a target power level,communicate a leak alarm signal to the alarm indicator if the actualpower level exceeds the target power level for a selected period of timeand the source pressure is greater than a first alarm pressure, andcommunicate a canister-disengaged alarm signal to the alarm indicator ifthe actual power level exceeds the target power level for a selectedperiod of time and the source pressure is less than a second alarmpressure; wherein the alarm indicator is configured to generate an alarmin response to receiving the leak alarm signal or thecanister-disengaged alarm signal.
 17. The reduced-pressure treatmentsystem of claim 16, wherein the first alarm pressure is equal to thesecond alarm pressure.
 18. The reduced-pressure treatment system ofclaim 16, wherein the alarm indicator is configured to generate a leakalarm in response to receiving the leak alarm signal and to generate acanister alarm in response to receiving the canister-disengaged alarmsignal.
 19. The reduced-pressure treatment system of claim 18, whereinthe leak alarm or the canister alarm are audible.
 20. Thereduced-pressure treatment system of claim 18, wherein the leak alarm orthe canister alarm are visible.
 21. A reduced-pressure treatmentapparatus, comprising: a reduced-pressure source; and a processing unitconfigured to: monitor a power level of the reduced-pressure source,monitor a source pressure generated by the reduced-pressure source,compare the power level to a target power level to determine a leakcondition, and comparing the source pressure to an alarm pressure todetermine if the leak condition is a canister disengaged condition.